KNAN, KNAF, ONAN, ONAF – what do they mean? Here’s how to unlock the cooling class code for liquid filled transformers. The ANSI/IEE Standard C57.12.00 defines a 4 character code to describe the cooling attributes of the transformer. The first letter refers to the main cooling medium (i.e. in contact with the windings). Decode as
Whether the insulating fluid be mineral oil, vegetable oil (esters) or synthetic, we can supply the product to match the need. Just as oils vary in design, transformers themselves are abundantly different – many with similar properties and some quite specialised and unique. Here are some of the electrical transformers for which can supply dielectric
Transformer oil pricing in the Australian market has been relatively stable for some years, but recently with oil prices more widely increasing so has pricing for transformer oil. Factors that influence the price we pay for any oil product in Australia are the Australian currency, the barrel price for oil, market expectations, and supply and
The quality or performance of electrical insulating oil is dictated by its chemical structure. Chemical structure determines the consistency of its viscosity performance, it resistance to oxidation (longevity of performance) and its compatibility with other materials. In addition to chemistry, the purity (moisture content and impurities) of the oil also influences many of the oil
Naphthenic versus paraffinic oils – which is better? The answer is not so straightforward because the application will drive the choice of oil. In the case of transformers there is a lot more historical data and knowledge on naphthenics than on paraffinics, and naphthenic oil has traditionally been considered the gold standard. However paraffinic oil
Mineral oil is by far the most abundant transformer fluid in use in Australia. There are however other options, which do have their place in specific transformer applications including chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. PCB which is banned), high molecular weight hydrocarbons, biofluids, esters, and silicone fluids. Silicone fluids or more correctly polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are a type
Any discussion of transformer oil, particularly in relation to older transformers, scrap transformers, refurbishments or oil retrofills likely leads to mention of PCBs. In reality most Australian power utilities have de-risked to the point where their transformer fleets are PCB-free… or almost. At least records here are accurate and comprehensive. Some other asset owners including
Waste oil collection is one of the key services offered by Benzoil. With oil processing capabilities located in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne we can collect in all eastern states, and with the support of an extensive transport network we can facilitate collections as far north as the country extends. Metropolitan areas generally contain the highest
Waste oil is typically any kind of insulating fluid that has been used in a machine like a motor vehicle, truck or other industrial asset as a lubricant or heat transfer medium. At the end of its useful life it can no longer perform satisfactorily as its inherent properties have been diminished – it becomes
Many proud electrical asset managers will proclaim that their fleet of transformers is PCB-free, yet although they have worked long and hard to achieve this outcome some PCB oil still resides in their system. In our experience most electric utilities in Australia have methodically surveyed their transformer fleet (power transformers anyway) and maintain dedicated registers
